BRIDGE

North-South vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xA J 7 5 2

u8 7 5

v8 6 3

w8 4

WEST EAST

x10 8 6 3 x4

uJ 3 2 uQ 10

v10 9 2 vA K 5 4

w9 6 2 wK Q J 10 7 3

SOUTH

xK Q 9

uA K 9 6 4

vQ J 7

wA 5

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass Pass 2w Dbl

Pass 2x 3v 3u

Pass 4u Pass Pass

Pass

Opening lead: Ten of v

About a quarter of a century ago an article appeared in “The Bridge World” under the above title. It discussed when, with a choice of two trump suits in which to play, it is right to select the weaker of the two. This deal from a national championship event some years ago could have been lifted from that article.

Suppose you arrive in four spades. As long as the defense plays a club before declarer has a chance to set up hearts, you must lose two diamonds, a club and a heart. At some tables, however, the contract was four hearts on an auction such as the above.

Even if the defenders start by cashing two diamond tricks and shifting to a club, four hearts is untouchable. Declarer wins with the ace of clubs, cashes the ace and king of hearts and runs spades. As long as the defender with at least three spades also has the long heart, South will be able to discard his club loser as the defender ruffs!

How do you know when to play in the weaker suit? We don’t know! But that is part of the fascination of the game.

2009 Tribune Media Services